Friends Revisited

So, another unsubstantiated rumor is floating around about a Led Zeppelin reunion show. The Evening Standard in London reports that the band is planning on a reunion show at London's new O2Arena in the fall. The paper claims an official press release is expected shortly.

Well, if this is true, is this a one-off date? A local gig for the band to play and experience the musical camaraderie they once shared in the past one more time? Or is this the springboard for a 2008 world tour? O2 is an AEG Live controlled venue, so if a world tour does get launched, does AEG Live score and hit the jackpot by landing the biggest Rock tour of all time over Live Nation?

Who is playing the drums? John Bonham is very much irreplaceable. That was one of the main reasons the band disbanded in 1980 after his death. Some suggest his son Jason should take his place, but while Jason could be a sentimental favorite, he is not the most skilled drummer available for the job. Zeppelin needs a heavy hitter to fill out the sound; someone such as Kenny Aronoff or Matt Sorum. They aren't in the same league as John Bonham, but who is?

Lots of questions need to be answered if this is becoming a reality. What are my feelings? Well, they are mixed to say the least. I think a big tour potentially hurts the Led Zeppelin legacy. Plant no longer has the vocal range for a lot of the material. Page is not the same player he once was, and that will be obvious if he tries to tackle some of the demanding material in the band's catalogue. John Paul Jones is probably in the best shape as his skills as an arranger and musician have continued to mature over the years. There is no way the shows will live up to the reputation of Zeppelin's former live work. However, most people will not care. They will be psyched that they are witnessing one of the greatest Rock bands of all time in concert. I will probably be one of the minorities that does not see a reunion tour adding anything of substance or value to the Led Zeppelin legacy. But as my original post "Friends" stated, I do see some value in the band playing a few shows together in the U.K. with a true passion to play and then for the band to walk off into the sunset. Time will tell what is going on with all these Led Zeppelin reunion rumors....